2001Ian McGeechan saw his Scotland side turn in the most complete performance of his second stint as coach, scoring two tries in each half to defeat a hotly-tipped Ireland side 32-10. In a fixture that was postponed from February due to the outbreak of foot and mouth in the UK, Scotland inflicted the only defeat on Ireland during the tournament thanks to tries from John Leslie, Andrew Henderson, Budge Pountney and Tom Smith. The Irish finished the tournament level on points with champions England but lost out on the title due to their massively inferior points difference, a 20-14 win over their rivals in the final game small reward.

2008All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter was officially unveiled by Perpignan ahead of his six month sabbatical with the French Top 14 club. He arrived in Barcelona, where he was greeted by journalists and photographers before being unveiled at the Stade Aime Giral. The playmaker would link up with his new club in December following New Zealand's European tour. Carter's tenure in Perpignan ended unhappily thanks to an Achilles tendon injury in February 2009 - which cut short his stay after only five matches.

2012Scotland international Roy Kinnear - father of the actor of the same name - died while playing rugby for the RAF in Uxbridge at the age of 38. Also a British Lion, he switched to rugby league aged 23 and enjoyed a hugely successful career, representing Great Britain four times.

1945 Two of England's oldest clubs, Richmond and Blackheath, made history by fielding a combined team for the first time. The Londoners were beaten 17-5 by Northampton at the Athletic Ground as peace-time club rugby gathers momentum.

1998Fiji upset favourites Samoa 26-18 in a World Cup qualifying match in Canberra. Both teams qualified for the tournament eventually, with the Samoans going on to upset hosts Wales 38-31 at the Arms Park during the group stages.

2004 South African star Percy Montgomery pledged his future to Newport Gwent Dragons for the next three years. The Springbok fullback had just helped his side to the Tri-Nations title and stayed with the Dragons until 2006, before signing for the Sharks.

1948 Paul Roos, who led the Original Springbok touring side to Britain, Ireland and France in 1906, died in Stellenbosch aged 68 and only a few hours after making a speech in the South African Parliament.

1962 Aberavon ended Neath's nine-month unbeaten home record with a crushing 21-0 win at the Gnoll.

1992 Auckland defended the Ranfurly Shield for the record 56th successive time. The side under Graham Henry wins 25-16 against North Harbour.